Crowley ISD Boardroom Rewind

Crowley ISD continued the celebration of its 63 newly designated Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) teachers at Thursday night's school board meeting.

The primary goal of TIA, a program funded by the state, is to recruit, retain and reward high-quality teachers by providing additional pay based on performance. Once awarded, a TIA designation remains on a teacher's certificate for five years.

CISD now has a total of 122 TIA-designated teachers.

More than 11 percent of Crowley ISD teachers have earned a form of TIA designation, helping them achieve a salary of more than $80,000, or in some cases, over $100,000.

"This is significant, and we are definitely excited and looking forward to having even more," Superintendent Dr. Michael McFarland said. "I'm glad this program actually compensates teachers for what they're worth."

Of the 63 new TIA designees, 13 teachers earned a Recognized designation, 32 earned an Exemplary designation and 18 achieved a Master designation. This includes seven teachers who were designated at a lower-level but improved their performance to earn a higher-level designation this year.

The CISD average allotment for a Recognized designation is approximately $4,700, an Exemplary designation is approximately $9,500 and a Master designation is approximately $17,800.

This marks the third year of TIA designations in CISD. This phase included special education and Montessori teachers, plus more secondary-level educators than ever before. Next year, Crowley ISD will submit an application to include honors, AP and Pre-AP courses in the program.

Trustees praised the program and noted the positive impact on other teachers who work with TIA-designated educators as well as the impact on student achievement.

"The teachers receive the allotment, but the students are the real beneficiaries," Trustee June W. Davis said. "That's what I am very, very thankful for."

Board President Daryl Davis said the district is building a culture through TIA.

"This is becoming the way of life in Crowley ISD," Davis said. "I’m excited about all the additional teachers who will benefit from this program.”

View the full presentation, which includes photos of the newly designated TIA teachers.

Crowley ISD is examining how it can provide raises and an increase to health insurance contributions for employees in the next school year as it waits on the current state legislative session to determine public school funding.

During a Mid-Year Budget Review Thursday evening, Board President Daryl R. Davis II noted the tough budget situation the district has faced as a result of state legislative inaction on public school funding.

"One of the difficult decisions we had to make as a district, as a board in approving the budget, was that we didn’t give pay raises coming into this school year," Davis said. "Are we in a place with the reductions and all of the things that we've done — I know we don't have a crystal ball, but are we in a place where we can begin to consider pay increases for next year as well as increasing our contribution to our health care? ... I just think that's so important."

Chief Financial Officer Leon Fisher said various budget scenarios will be presented to trustees at future meetings that address those items. Superintendent Dr. Michael McFarland also said that they are prioritizing those items and have already begun further scrutinizing the budget to prepare to address those items as well.

The state has not increased its per-student funding for public schools since 2019, despite inflation and rising costs. This has impacted school district budgets across the state, including Crowley ISD, which experienced budget cuts last year and was unable to provide a raise to employees.

The administration plans to present Fiscal Year 2024-25 year-end projection scenarios (best case, worst case, most likely) in April and preliminary budgets in May. The current legislative session ends June 2.

During Thursday's meeting, Fisher provided trustees with a budget update, reporting that the district is well within its budget for Fiscal Year 2024-25 as it has taken conservative and aggressive approaches to budgeting while keeping classroom instruction as the top priority.

"I'm happy to notify everybody that our revenues are outpacing our expenditures," Fisher said. "That was not the case 12 months ago. We are very happy about that."

View the full budget presentation.

The Crowley ISD esports team was recognized at Thursday's school board meeting.

The Crowley ISD Board of Trustees recognized the CISD esports team's recent state and national wins in competitive video gaming.

In esports (electronic sports), individuals or teams compete in various games at local, national and international levels. These competitions often feature popular games such as Overwatch, Madden and NCAA Football.

The North Crowley High School Overwatch team dominated the competition, securing the Vanta Fall State Championship and placing first in the Texas Scholastic Esports Federation league.

The talented team includes Ricardo Gallegos, Carter Lenahan, Zachary Pontes, Nathan Wong, Mark Hernandez and Corey Valsin. The team was coached by Chris Chavez.

In individual competitions, Jordan Connally (NCHS) showcased his gaming prowess by winning the Pacific National Championship in Madden.

Crowley ISD also claimed two NCAA Football National Championships. Tavien Brooks (NCHS) secured the Pacific National Championship, while Jayden Henderson (NCHS) emerged victorious in the Mountain National Championship.

Just like traditional sports, esports requires strategy, teamwork, communication and quick decision-making. Players train extensively, develop game strategies and then compete in tournaments for scholarships, prizes and recognition.

In Crowley ISD, esports is providing students with opportunities to develop skills, compete at a high level and gain exposure to potential careers in gaming, technology and digital media.

CISD currently has more than 60 students who competed in esports this year. The students have competed in 11 games in three different leagues — each with a fall and spring season.

In May, the esports team will take 20 students to Baylor University for the Undisputed State Championship.

Casey Smith, digital learning specialist, leads the esports initiative in Crowley ISD. He organized the program and manages its application at the two high schools and two ninth grade centers.

The Chisholm Trail Education Foundation, which benefits the staff and students of Crowley ISD, is preparing to launch a new literacy initiative aimed at ensuring that every child in CISD has a book of their very own at home.

Any student who attends the Pre-K and Kindergarten Roundup on April 12 at the Bill R. Johnson CTE Center will receive a free book from foundation volunteers who will also read with students.

The foundation also is working on plans to place a book vending machine at campuses, beginning with the new Baylor Elementary, which opens in the fall of 2025.

The initiative also includes plans for a summer school reading challenge and the continuation of the annual Battle of the Books event.

Kennedy Nguyen of Crowley High School, and Chancellor Slater of Crowley Collegiate Academy served as student trustees at Thursday night's meeting.

Kennedy Nguyen, Crowley High School senior, and Chancellor Slater, Crowley Collegiate Academy senior, were the presiding student trustees at the March school board meeting.

In addition to serving at two school board meetings, student trustees are responsible for gathering feedback from fellow students and bringing any celebrations, upcoming events, considerations and improvements to the attention of district leadership and the school board.

Early childhood registration opens April 1 for the 2025-26 school year in Crowley ISD.

Join us for our Pre-K and Kindergarten Round-Up from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 12 at the Bill R. Johnson CTE Center. A full team will be on site to support you and prepare your children for the new school year!

To learn more, visit www.crowleyisdtx.org/PreK.

In Crowley ISD, it’s more than a job — it’s a journey! Apply today and join us on April 12 for the Spring Job Fair! See all open positions for the 2025-26 school year at crowleyisdtx.org/careers.

The job fair begins at 8:15 a.m. for Pre-Registered VIP guests and opens to others from 9 a.m. to noon at the Bill R. Johnson CTE Center, 1900 Longhorn Trail in Crowley.

Positions available:

• Pre-K Teachers
  
• K-5 Teachers
  
• Bilingual Teachers
• Secondary Math, English and Science
• Special Education
• Art/Music/Theater Arts
• Social Studies

Competitive Stipends

• Bilingual Teachers — $4,000
  
• CTE Teacher — $3,000 to $6,000
  
• Montessori Teacher — $4,000
  
• Secondary Math, English and Science Teacher — $4,000
  
• SEAS/GOALS/RISE Teacher — $4,000
  
• Embedded Dual Credit — $5,000
  
• Extra Curricular (Academic) — $1,000 to $4,000
  

Don't miss your chance to join the Crowley ISD family and make a difference in the lives of students!

Benefits include stipends for in-demand positions, competitive starting salaries, employee child care center, Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) bonus pay, professional development opportunities and more!

Apply online at crowleyisdtx.org/careers

Check out some interesting Crowley ISD facts and points of pride in the video above!

We're shining a light on what makes Crowley ISD special through the voices of our students, parents, educators and community leaders!

Watch below members of our community share what makes them proud to be part of Crowley ISD, and we invite you to share your story too at crowleyisdtx.org/mycrowleypride.

Help us spread the word by sharing your story with friends, family and neighbors by using the hashtag #MyCrowleyPride on social media. Together, let’s continue building a community of pride, achievement and unity!

(L-R Back row): Superintendent Dr. Michael D. McFarland; June W. Davis, board member; Kelicia Stevenson, board member; Dr. La Tonya Woodson-Mayfield, board member;

(L-R Front row): Dr. Mia Hall, board second vice president; Daryl R. Davis II, board president; Gary Grassia, board first vice president; Nedra Robinson, board secretary

MEETING VIDEO: To watch a recording of this meeting, please click here.

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